Grief

Grief counselling

Jayne Hogan. Psychologist Bathurst & Lithgow

Grief counselling can be a safe place to express and explore difficult feelings and experiences. It may be helpful if people are feeling ’stuck’ in their grief or if they are having trouble coping with everday life.

Although grief and loss are a normal part of life, grief can be a very painful and lonely experience. The feelings of sadness and loss seem unbearable and overwhelming at times. When someone we care about has died, life will never be the same again.

Relationships with family, friends and work colleagues may change. Often people feel worse a few weeks or months after the death as the reality starts to sink in.

Many people will find that the support of family and friends is sufficient in times of grief. However sometimes grief is complicated by a traumatic death, family problems or symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger or trauma. These symptoms may be able to be treated in grief counselling, depending on your counsellors training.

What qualifications are required for grief counsellors

No professional qualification is required to be a counsellor of any kind in Australia. So it is important to enquire about any counsellors training and satisfy yourself that they are able to provide a professional service. Anyone can call themselves a grief counsellor. There is no legal requirement for training in counselling or specialised training in grief.

Health professionals who work as Grief Counsellors may have many different qualifications. They may be psychologists, nurses, social workers or doctors.. Some may have received specific training in grief & bereavement. This could range from a weekend course to a specialised university degree.

It is good to ask the counsellor what qualifications, training and experience they have in this area. You can also ask if they be belong to a professional association. It is important to satisfy yourself that you are comfortable with the person you are going to work with and that they can meet your needs in regards to grief counselling services.

Click here for details of Jayne Hogans training, qualifications and experience.

What happens when someone sees a grief counsellor?

At the intial session with the counsellor you can expect to be asked about:

* the person that has died and your relationship with them

* the circumstances of the persons death

* your thoughts and feelings

* symptoms of depression, anxiety & trauma

* your current concerns or difficulties

* how you are coping with day to day life

* what you would like to be different as a result of counselling

At ongoing counselling sessions the specifics will vary according to your needs and the counsellors approach. Generally you can expect to talk about some of the following:

* reviewing your memories of the person who has died

* considering how your relationships have changed

* resolving truamatic memories, thoughts, and experiences related to the persons death

* ways to cope with current problems

* reflecting on your beliefs & your view of the world

* the future

Sometimes grieving is like walking with each of your feet in two different worlds. One foot in the past, and one foot in the present…

In grief counselling we move between talking about both the past and the present. It is always up to you to decide if you are ready to talk about a particular issue in a session.

Insight Psychology Grief & Palliative Counselling Services

* Adult & child grief counselling

* Psychological Treatment of depression, anger trauma

* Play therapy & Sandplay for Children 5-12 years

* Counselling for Chronic Illness Palliative Care

Feel free to contact me with any queries you may have.

Jayne Hogan. Registered Psychologist

Ph: 0412022995